MAFS UK series 11: Your ultimate guide as filming takes place
It will air later in 2026
Last updated 24th Mar 2026
Thanks to couples like Nelly and Steven, Rebecca and Bailey and Abi and John, the 2025 series of Married At First Sight UK provided us with some serious drama, even if it wasn't the most successful of experiments!
With Abi and John the only couple to still be going strong one year on, filming for the 11th series is now upon us, as the experts match a whole new bunch of brides and grooms hoping to find love at first sight.
As we patiently count down the months to the new series, here's everything we know so far about MAFS UK 2026.
When is filming?
Filming for MAFS UK series 11 began in mid-February 2026.
When is it on TV?
There's no exact start date for the 2026 series of MAFS UK just yet, but it usually begins around Autumn time. The 2025 series kicked off on Sunday 21st September.
Who are the brides and grooms?
With filming taking place now, the 2026 cast is being kept a big secret - with the brides and grooms under strict instructions to keep off social media!
The cast will be announced closer to the start date.
Can I apply?
Unfortunaly applications for the 2026 series of MAFS UK closed in February, but you can register your interest for future series right here.
Who are the experts?
Charlene Douglas and Paul C Brunson will appear on series 11, alongside MAFS Australia expert John Aiken.
Mel Schilling, who has appeared on the show for the last five series, sadly died on 24th March 2026, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Mel's husband announced the heartbreaking news on social media, writing: 'Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
'In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.
'This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.
'This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.
'To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.
'On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.
'I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.
'To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it.
'To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.
'And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel’s podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.
'Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.
'I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.
'Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again'. (sic)
Following the news of Mel's diagnosis in early March, E4 bosses released a statement where they revealed her close friend John would be stepping in for series 11.
The statement read: 'All of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel's health, and are sending all of our love and support to Mel and her family.
'Over five series of Married at First Sight UK, and twelve series of Married at First Sight Australia, Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague.
'Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through, and these qualities mean that everyone involved in MAFS, from the producers and contributors, to the viewers, love and respect her as much as we do.
'MAFS UK is currently filming and, with Mel's blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us the great favour of stepping in for her for this series. If anyone would like support, please find some helpful organisations and a link to donate to Stand Up To Cancer in our bio.'
What channel is it on?
As ever, MAFS UK will air on E4.
How can I watch old series?
Past series of Married At First Sight UK are available to watch now on Channel 4's streaming service.
Now read:
Which Married At First Sight couples are married for real?
MAFS All Stars: Here's who we'd love to see on Second Marriage at First Sight
Which MAFS UK couples are still together after the show